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Cleaning old and antique brass can be a very frustrating endeavor, because over time, the brass oxidizes and becomes covered in tarnish. Proper cleaning is critical, though, because if you fail, improper cleaning can damage the brass permanently. If you are collecting the brass for its value, bear in mind that any cleaning efforts whatsoever can negatively impact the overall value, so consult a brass expert before attempting to clean a piece of valuable brass.

Lacquered Brass

Lacquer protects brass from oxidation, but old brass -- especially antique brass -- should never be lacquered. Nevertheless, if the brass has mistakenly been lacquered in the past, you should first remove the lacquer before attempting any other cleaning procedures. Gently pour hot water directly over the brass to soften the lacquer, and then peel it away. If hot water fails, rub the brass with denatured alcohol or nail polish remover. Lacquered brass will have a slight yellow tinge.

Basic Cleaning Procedure

Brass cleaners can sometimes do the trick, but for antique brass, try soaking the metal for a full hour in undiluted white vinegar or clear ammonia. Both are safe and natural products, and both will break down oxidation and leave the brass with a natural shine. If the brass object is too large to soak in vinegar or clear ammonia, or it contains nonbrass parts that may become damaged by an acid soak, proceed to the next section.

Salt and Lemon Method

The combination of lemon juice and salt can also break down oxidation, due to the intense combination of citric acid and sodium chloride. Simply cut a lemon in half, sprinkle salt on the moist surface and scrub the entire brass surface. Rub as hard as you can to slowly remove the tarnish. You can also try rubbing ketchup over your brass and then rinsing it. Ketchup similarly contains acids that break down tarnish.

Maintaining Old Brass

Do not apply lacquer to old brass. If you want to keep your old brass like new and protect it from oxidation, polish it once every few weeks using a very light acid treatment, like ketchup or white vinegar, which contains only 5 percent acetic acid. Avoid using harsh metal polishes, as they can leave residues behind.